‘Life On Mars’ is returning for a "final chapter".
The BBC time-travelling drama – which ran for two series from 2006 to 2007 and spawned a sequel series ‘Ashes to Ashes’ – followed police detective Sam Tyler (John Simm), who wakes up in the 1970s after a car accident and has to work alongside DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister).
During a watch-along, co-creator Matthew Graham tweeted: "We’d never make another ‘Mars’ unless we really had something to say and could push the envelope all over again.
"Finally, we have. There are bad things and there are monsters. These things are real.
"But to get you they have to get through The Guv. And The Guv is putting his driving gloves on. (sic)"
The first two series were set in Manchester, while ‘Ashes to Ashes’ – which starred Keeley Hawes alongside Phil – was based in London in the 1980s.
Graham revealed the "final chapter" will be set in both cities, and the team see it as "four or five episodes and then done".
He also teased: "I’d like to tell you that in The final Chapter there will be a TV show WITHIN our Tv show. TYLER: MURDER DIVISION (sic)"
The writer continued: "It’ll be set partially in the 70’s, partially in the 80’s and mostly in an alternate NOW. (sic)"
Graham’s co-creator Ashley Pharaoh weighed in on the news and pondered whether the original stars could still make it work.
He quipped: "I wonder if Phil and John could jump over that desk now? I guess we’ll find out"
Some fans and reports suggested the announcement – which is yet to be made official by BBC – was a cruel April Fools prank.
However, Graham shot down: "Can I say again to all… who are suggesting that a final instalment of #LifeOnMars was an April Fool.
"1 – you don’t play an April Fool after midday. 2. I hate April Fool’s jokes. It’s for real. (sic)"
Life On Mars returning for ‘final chapter’
